Francis KurkdjianThe nose · 234 fragrances · also made Rouge Trafalgar Esprit De Parfum (2024)Portrait →Will you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Elie Saab · Sold as unisex
Essence No. 8 Santal
The crisp clarity of a well-polished desk in a warmly lit office, where the blend of powdery notes and warm spices creates an inviting atmosphere.
Full bottle: Premium tier, typically $100–250. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
Essence No. 8 SantalPremium · $100–250
47%Similar accords, often for lessL Eau d Issey pour Homme Wood Wood · Issey MiyakeMid-range tier, $40–100 · shares 4 of its 10 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 2016 and crafted by Francis Kurkdjian, Essence No. 8 Santal by Elie Saab is a woody fragrance that seamlessly blends powdery notes with warm spices and aromatic undertones. The composition opens with a bright fruity accord that adds an unexpected freshness to the mix before settling into a base of leather and woody accords. This duality creates a rich, complex scent that feels both modern and lasting.
Given its moderate longevity and sillage, Essence No. 8 Santal works best with two sprays — enough to let the powdery and woody layers unfold gradually throughout the day. It pairs well with a jacket or cardigan, where it can stay close to skin without overpowering.
Fig. 01 — Essence No. 8 Santal, Elie Saab
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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Francis Kurkdjian
The composer of lightFrancis Kurkdjian is among the most celebrated perfumers alive — a creative polymath whose work spans haute couture fragrance, contemporary art installations, and the founding of his own maison.
“It’s impossible to predict. Success doesn’t depend on you. It depends on the audience.”
Francis Kurkdjian · SLEEK, June 2026
Designer Elie Saab
More from the house · Lebanon
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the $100–250 price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalEssence No. 8 SantalElie Saab · Premium · $100–250Issey Miyake · 2019L Eau d Issey pour Homme Wood WoodShares 4 of its 10 notes$40–100★ 3.91 (1,164)52%Match
Zara · 2025Energetically New York ElixirShares Sandalwood, Suede and Cardamomunder $40★ 4.41 (268)42%Match
Zara · 2021Energetically New YorkShares Sandalwood and Cardamomunder $40★ 3.87 (1,683)48%Match
Marc Jacobs · 2006Marc Jacobs Autumn Splash IvyShares 4 of its 8 notes$40–100★ 4.03 (36)
With Zara Reflecting Celebrations
Adds citrus, fresh spicy and sweet; shares two accords.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Respected, if divisive: loved by 38%, disliked or hated by 16%.